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Dr. Anita Meinbach, an English teacher at Southwood Middle, started the Grand Conversations club about six years ago with simple intentions --she just wanted an outlet, an environment where kids could talk about books they had collectively read.

"I hoped that we might get to deeper truths and understandings regarding the books -- to get beyond the superficial, 'What was the book about?'" she said.

Little did Meinbach know just how popular Grand Conversations would become. It is much more than a book club to those students that attend the discussions. It gives students an opportunity to collaboratively dissect literature, something they don't necessarily do in the classroom.

Anne Searcy, an eighth grader at Southwood and president of the Book Club, is particularly appreciative of this characteristic of the group.

"I love Grand Conversations because through it I gain insight into books that I would never get otherwise. The questions asked at Grand Conversations let me discover not only other people's opinions and views but sometimes my own, since the introspective questions are often about things I didn't think about," Searcy said.

The popularity of Grand Conversations isn't limited to Southwood either. Arvida and Palmetto Middle students are active participants, while St. Stephens and Highland Oaks have started Grand Conversations programs of their own.

Meinbach added that it has helped immensely that the three successive principals at Southwood -- Robert Kalinsky, Allen Hindman and Reid Bernstein -- have been so encouraging. They've even bought additional books so that the students would have enough for the discussions.

Meinbach designs the reading list to ensure that they discuss a wide variety of books, from light reading to literature for young adults. The reading lists including fantasy classics like The Hobbit by Tolkein, best sellers like the Harry Potter books, to literary gems like The Short Stories of O'Henry.

"I try to tie them with some current issue while varying the genres from contemporary to classics," Meinbach said.

Sophia Feldman, a Southwood sixth grade student and club vice president, likes talking about the books that Meinbach selects.

"Grand Conversations gives students a wonderful opportunity to share ideas and reactions to assigned books. I really enjoy participating in this program," Feldman explained.

Hadassah Mendoza-Elias, a Southwood seventh grader and book club special event coordinator along with Denis Yaves, likes the relaxed, open atmosphere that permeates the Conversations meetings.

"I like Grand Conversations because it gives people a chance to share their opinions about a book. It also gives them a chance to discuss questions with others. In Grand Conversations, kids can be themselves," Mendoza-Elias explained.

Meinbach believes one reason this is the case is because the program takes place outside the classroom. Borders Bookstore at 9205 S. Dixie Hwy., has not only accommodated the meetings and promoted the events, but also provided the refreshments. The friendly environment they've provided is a key component of the program," Meinbach said.

"Reading becomes a way of life and a fun thing to

do instead of just a way of getting through school. By taking the discussion out of the classroom and off school grounds it takes on an entirely different feeling," she said.

In addition to her duties as a member of the faculty at Southwood, Meinbach is a very accomplished author and scholar. She has her doctorate from the University of Miami in Elementary Education and Reading, and has authored or co-authored 13 books on Curriculum Development, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Holocaust Studies. She teaches at FIU on the nature and needs of the gifted and also is an adjunct professor at UM and Nova.

She lives with her husband, Jay, a pharmacist who owns a lighting business and electrical supply company, and has two sons, David, at UM Medical School, and Ken, a pediatrician.

But Grand Conversations is definitely one of the highlights on her busy schedule.

"All the teachers that come [other teachers come to make sure the student-teacher ratio is no more than seven- or eight-to-one] and myself merely facilitate. I like just sitting back and listening. I really enjoy the discussions," she said.

To get your class or student involved in Grand Conversations, call Meinbach at 305-251-5361. Meinbach explained that it enables them to get the study guide for each text (which outlines the discussion topics) and it also allows them to make sure there are enough sponsors at the meeting.

Grand Conversations meets the first Thursday of every month, except January and April, throughout the school year..